January is the month of beginnings, of sowing seeds of renewal and rebirthing what’s existent. What is also aplenty in the month of January is the calendaring of days, weeks and months. Holding true to the ethos and spirit of the state, Fashion Society Shillong (FSS) collaborated with Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to churn out a calendar themed on the rustic rural life of Meghalaya. In conversation with Chairman of FSS, Aldous Mawlong, Esha Chaudhuri explores the concept and design of the curated calendar to a greater degree.
Entrenched in tradition, beginning with January (Kyllalyngkot) until December (Nohprah), the models from FSS find themselves in a rural pastoral setting, showcasing modalities of a way of life possibly forgotten or one to be reminisced with pride. On asking Mawlong where the idea of a Khasi rustic life emanated from, he responds, “Khasi rural life showcases the lifestyle of village folk and the setting is romanticised against natural breathtaking backdrops that paint a poignant mosaic that is both refreshing and vibrant.”
Asked whether the calendar was chosen in any particular theme or order for the months, Mawlong answers, “We did make an effort to place the months to aptly showcase an activity carried out during that season.”
Adding to that, Chief Executive Member,KHADC, Pyniaid Sing Syiem explains the value and relevance of the concept behind the calendar. He states, “It has always been my endeavour to promote our tribal heritage, be it dance, crafts or cuisine.The Khasi culture is one of the oldest and has emerged as vibrant, rich and colourful.The 2025 calendar is one such project which will make the proud owner take a trip each month to the rural areas to relish and remind ourselves of the economic activities of these hills.It will also educate the younger generation of the lifestyle of our villagers on how they eke out a living.”
Not their first joint effort, since FSS and KHADC worked together previously in the last Monolith Festival and Tri Hills Ensemble as well. What makes their collaboration so seamless is that members of the Society, CEM and Chairman of the Council have a bent for promoting tradition and indigenous culture. The proposition of the calendar too was borne out of several intense consultations with the executives of the KHADC and FSS, wherein the photoshoots stretched to around two months,hopping from site to site, reveals Mawlong. With regard to the pristine locations that dominated the backdrop of each selection, varied from Mylliem Marbaniang, Wah Kroh, Nongkynrih,Tyrchang to Pamphyrnai, Mawtnum, Lyngdong Sohsiew and Langkyrding, Handloom Production Centre, Department of Textiles as well as private residences.
On inquiring about the background research, and how were the selections for the places of shoots, the activities, settings made, Mawlong said most of it was based out of knowledge from exploring the various activities and finding appropriate settings for each. About sourcing the costumes, tools and other props for the shoot, he informed that the costumes and accessories were either bought or hired. Professionals did the wardrobe and makeup, and the props were handled by the Society (FSS) and supported by well wishers.
Moving on to the segment of the models and production team, there were many questions on how did the models take to the idea, was it a cakewalk for them and whether there was a script or motion coordinator/director. Mawlong explained that the models followed the themes set forth by the Society. The Chairman and the Publicity Secretary of the Society supervised the photo shoots and the team was quick to comprehend the task at hand.
One of the models from FSS and the calendar, Vanessa Sharon Lapang shares her thoughts, “I have done just two fashion shows with Fashion Society Shillong and each time I enjoy myself thoroughly. The drive to the outdoors, serenity of village life, the food and the hospitality of the village folk. As a bonus, I was chosen for the month of July, which happens to be my birth month. I am super thrilled.”
Another model, Asha Kharbudnah says, “I am not a new face in the realm of Fashion Society Shillong and it thrilled me to bits when I was selected for the 2025 KHADC Calendar shoot after a grueling audition.I portray a humble stone cutter but to me it is an honour to decorate the almanac which has been stylishly produced.”
The linchpin or photographer of the shoot, Manchua Pyrbot also shares a few words, “Working with Fashion Society Shillong has honed my skills and I am filled with more enthusiasm to better myself to the greatest limits. The 2025 KHADC Calendar project proved challenging yet gratifying. It is another feather in our team’s hat.”
Mawlong along with his team believe that the concept and pay-off has already been deemed a success since the response has been positive and the calendar sold out in huge numbers within a week! Mawlong also notes that people love a showcase of tradition presented professionally and artistically, especially the indigenous themes.
With the culmination of an aesthetically pleasing end product, Mawlong says that FSS has been publishing calendars along ethnic lines since 2020, which have been featured by The Shillong Times. He goes on to say that “We have been putting our best foot forward to diversify the theme each year and this time we focused on the Khasi rural economic activities that reflects the dignity of labour wherein the villagers toil to make an honest livelihood like the Khasi belief ‘Kamai ia ka hok’ or to earn by honest means.”
Spanning from cooking food in earthen pots, to quarrying, fishing to grazing in paddy fields, the emphasis on the placid state of being in a rural setting truly encapsulates the Khasi way of living – untouched and unsullied.